Managing human resources efficiently is critical for businesses of all sizes in India’s dynamic and fast-evolving market. From startups to large enterprises, HR software in India has become indispensable for automating payroll, ensuring compliance, streamlining onboarding, and boosting employee engagement. With an array of HR management systems (HRMS) available, choosing the right one can be challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best HR software in India for 2025, with a special focus on TankhaPay, alongside other leading solutions like Keka, Zoho People, and Darwinbox. This blog provides detailed insights into features, pricing, and how these tools cater to diverse business needs.
Why HR Software is Essential for Indian Businesses
HR software in India is no longer just about payroll processing. Modern HRMS platforms manage the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to offboarding, while ensuring compliance with local labor laws like PF, ESI, and TDS. Here are some key benefits of using HR software:
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Automation: Eliminates manual paperwork, saving time and reducing errors in payroll, attendance, and compliance tasks.
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Compliance: Ensures adherence to India’s complex labor regulations, minimizing legal risks.
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Employee Engagement: Offers self-service portals, performance tracking, and analytics to enhance workforce productivity.
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Scalability: Supports businesses as they grow, accommodating increasing employee numbers and evolving needs.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Streamlines processes, reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency.
With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into the top HR software solutions in India for 2025, tailored for startups, SMEs, and enterprises.
Top 10 HR Software in India for 2025
Below is a curated list of the best HR software in India, including their key features, pricing, and ideal use cases, with a special focus on TankhaPay.
1. TankhaPay
Best for: Gig, contractual, and informal workforce management
Overview: Developed by the TeamLease Group, TankhaPay is India’s first HRMS designed specifically for gig and informal workers. It bridges the gap between compliance and digital inclusion, offering a unique solution for businesses managing non-traditional workforces. TankhaPay is ideal for startups, MSMEs, and companies with contractual staff, ensuring seamless onboarding, wage payments, and social security compliance.
Key Features:
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Aadhaar-based digital onboarding
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Automated payroll and wage disbursement
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ESI, PF, and labor law compliance
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Worker app for payslips and KYC updates
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Multilingual support (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, etc.) Pricing: Custom pricing based on workforce size and features
Pros: -
Tailored for India’s gig and informal sector
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Robust compliance automation
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User-friendly mobile app for workers
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Backed by TeamLease’s compliance expertise Cons:
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Limited focus on advanced HR modules like performance management or learning management systems
Why Choose TankhaPay?: If your business relies on gig or contractual workers, TankhaPay’s specialized features make it a standout choice for ensuring compliance and streamlining payments.
2. Keka HR
Best for: SMEs and fast-growing companies
Overview: Keka HR is a cloud-based HRMS known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive features. It’s a favorite among startups and SMEs for its focus on employee engagement and payroll automation.
Key Features:
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Payroll automation and compliance
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Attendance and leave management
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Performance reviews and OKR tracking
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Employee self-service portal Pricing: Starts at ₹6,999/month for 100 employees, ₹60/extra employee
Pros: -
User-friendly design
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Strong customer support
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Affordable for SMEs Cons:
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Configuration can be time-consuming for complex setups
Why Choose Keka?: Keka’s balance of affordability and robust features makes it ideal for growing businesses looking for an all-in-one HR solution.
3. Zoho People
Best for: Startups and small businesses
Overview: Zoho People is a cloud-based HRMS that integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem. It’s highly customizable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly startups.
Key Features:
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Employee onboarding and database management
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Time tracking and leave management
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Performance management
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Integration with Zoho apps Pricing: Starts at ₹48/user/month (billed annually)
Pros: -
Affordable pricing
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Seamless integration with Zoho suite
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Mobile access Cons:
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Payroll features require additional add-ons
Why Choose Zoho People?: Zoho People is perfect for startups and small businesses looking for a cost-effective, scalable HR solution with strong integrations.
4. Darwinbox
Best for: Mid-to-large enterprises
Overview: Darwinbox is an AI-driven HRMS with a mobile-first approach, offering end-to-end HR management for large organizations. Its advanced analytics and scalability make it a top choice for enterprises.
Key Features:
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Recruitment and talent management
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Performance tracking and analytics
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Payroll and benefits management
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Mobile-first interface Pricing: Quotation-based
Pros: -
Scalable for large organizations
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AI-powered insights
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Modern UI Cons:
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Higher cost, better suited for enterprises
Why Choose Darwinbox?: Darwinbox is ideal for large businesses needing a comprehensive, data-driven HR solution.
5. GreytHR
Best for: Payroll-heavy companies
Overview: GreytHR is a trusted HRMS for small and mid-sized businesses, known for its robust payroll and compliance features.
Key Features:
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Payroll and expense management
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Attendance and leave tracking
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Employee self-service portal
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Compliance with PF, ESI, and TDS Pricing: Starts at ₹3,495/month for 50 employees
Pros: -
Reliable payroll processing
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Easy setup
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Affordable for SMEs Cons:
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Basic UI compared to competitors
Why Choose GreytHR?: GreytHR is a solid choice for businesses prioritizing payroll and compliance automation.
6. Zimyo
Best for: Employee experience enhancement
Overview: Zimyo focuses on improving employee engagement through its cloud-based HRMS, offering over 50 modules for HR management.
Key Features:
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Payroll and expense management
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Performance and recruitment management
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Employee self-service portal
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Real-time analytics Pricing: Starts at ₹80/user/month (minimum ₹4,000)
Pros: -
Comprehensive feature set
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Strong focus on employee engagement Cons:
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Pricing may be high for smaller teams
Why Choose Zimyo?: Zimyo is great for businesses looking to enhance employee experience alongside core HR functions.
7. HROne
Best for: Small to medium businesses
Overview: HROne offers a user-friendly HRMS with a unique “Inbox-for-HR” tool, making employee management intuitive.
Key Features:
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Payroll and attendance management
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Performance and expense tracking
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Recruitment management Pricing: Custom pricing
Pros: -
Mobile-first design
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Compliance automation Cons:
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Limited transparency on pricing
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8. RazorpayX Payroll
Best for: Small and medium companies
Overview: RazorpayX Payroll is a payroll-focused HRMS with a user-friendly interface and compliance automation.
Key Features:
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Payroll and statutory compliance
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Employee self-service
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Attendance and leave management Pricing: Starts at ₹100/user/month
Pros: -
Affordable pricing
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Easy compliance management Cons:
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Limited advanced HR features
Why Choose RazorpayX?: Ideal for businesses focused on payroll efficiency.
9. Kredily
Best for: Startups and small businesses
Overview: Kredily offers a free plan for unlimited employees, making it a budget-friendly choice for startups.
Key Features:
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Payroll and attendance management
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Employee self-service portal
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Compliance tools Pricing: Free plan; paid plans start at ₹1,499/month for 25 employees
Pros: -
Free plan for basic features
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User-friendly interface Cons:
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Limited advanced features in free plan
Why Choose Kredily?: Perfect for startups with limited budgets.
10. Pocket HRMS
Best for: Remote collaboration
Overview: Pocket HRMS integrates with tools like WhatsApp and Zoom, making it ideal for remote teams.
Key Features:
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Payroll and leave management
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Performance tracking
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Integration with communication tools Pricing: Starts at ₹2,495/month for 50 employees
Pros: -
Remote-friendly features
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Scalable for SMEs Cons:
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Limited advanced analytics
Why Choose Pocket HRMS?: Great for businesses with distributed teams.
How to Choose the Best HR Software in India
Selecting the right HR software in India depends on your business’s unique needs. Here’s a checklist to guide your decision:
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Workforce Type: Do you manage full-time employees, gig workers, or a mix? TankhaPay excels for gig workers, while Keka and Zoho People suit traditional workforces.
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Compliance Needs: Ensure the software handles PF, ESI, and TDS compliance. TankhaPay and GreytHR are strong in this area.
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Budget: Consider per-user or flat-rate pricing. Kredily and Zoho People offer affordable options.
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Integrations: Check compatibility with accounting, CRM, or ERP systems. Zoho People integrates well with Zoho apps.
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Usability: Opt for intuitive interfaces and mobile access. Keka and HROne are known for user-friendliness.
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Scalability: Choose software that grows with your business, like Darwinbox for enterprises.
Future Trends in HR Software in India
As HR technology evolves, here are some trends shaping HR software in India for 2025:
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AI-Powered Analytics: Tools like Darwinbox and PeopleStrong offer data-driven insights for better decision-making.
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Mobile-First Solutions: Platforms like TankhaPay and Keka prioritize mobile access for remote workforces.
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Multilingual Support: TankhaPay’s support for Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali caters to India’s diverse workforce.
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Employee Well-Being: Software like Zimyo includes modules for mental health and engagement.
Conclusion
Choosing the best HR software in India for 2025 depends on your business size, workforce type, and budget. TankhaPay stands out for its unique focus on gig and informal workers, offering compliance automation and multilingual support. For SMEs, Keka and GreytHR provide robust, affordable solutions, while Zoho People is ideal for startups. Enterprises can rely on Darwinbox for scalability and advanced analytics. Evaluate your needs, test demos, and select an HRMS that aligns with your goals to streamline operations and boost employee satisfaction.
FAQs
Q1. Which HR software is best for gig workers in India?
TankhaPay is the top choice for managing gig and informal workers, with features like Aadhaar-based onboarding and compliance automation.
Q2. What is the most affordable HR software in India?
Kredily and Zoho People offer budget-friendly plans, with Kredily providing a free plan for basic features.
Q3. How does HR software ensure compliance with Indian labor laws?
Top HR software like TankhaPay, GreytHR, and HROne automates PF, ESI, and TDS compliance, reducing legal risks.